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I knew it would happen eventually. I just wasn’t sure exactly when it would happen. My older daughter has a social life now and her little sister is left home on weekend nights with only her boring old parents to keep her company.

“She’s going out again?” my little one asks.

I know this is just the beginning of many weekends when her big sister will be at a slumber party, the movies or roller skating and she will be stuck home with us. I try to explain to her that she is lucky to get our undivided attention. Unfortunately, in the moment, this doesn’t sound like much of a prize.

I remember when I was young and approached Friday nights with unbridled anticipation. I remember the excitement with the start of the weekend and the possibility of doing something fun with friends. Now, I can’t wait to simply relax after a long week of work.

“Why does she always get to go out? Why can’t I go too?” my younger daughter says with envy regarding her big sister.

“Because she’s older, honey.” I say gently stroking her hair. “Someday you will be doing the same thing, and Daddy and I won’t know what to do with ourselves.”

On a recent Friday night, her father was out of town. I had hoped the evening would involve curling up on the couch and watching American Idol which we had taped and saved from the previous night.

Instead, she put on an extravagant dance show for me that involved multiple costume changes and everything from ballet to jazz. Then, we spent about an hour talking about her life at school. As I put her to bed that night, I lay next to her quietly in the darkness.

“Mommy, this was a great night,” she said reaching for my hand.

That’s what I call a Friday night…

Amanda is the mom of two, a reporter for WRAL-TV and the author of several books including two on motherhood. Find her here on Mondays.

Copyright 2012 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

TwittyfanFeb 1, 2012

Precious.. Those are the best memories..

charlottethaxtonJan 30, 2012

My son is very unhappy on the weekends if his friends can't come over. I have a hourly play care that he enjoys staying there and playing with the other kids. The name is Nana's Fun House in North Raleigh on Mitchell Mill Rd. Bring her over one night and we will keep her busy. Friday and Saturday nights we stay open til 10:00. I enjoy working on Friday nights and playing with the kids myself.

lec0257Jan 30, 2012

Enjoy those times, they are the best in the world and will not last forever. As a father of I know how special they have been for me also. My youngest, a daughter is getting married in July. I have enjoyed those times since the day she was born. I already miss them as a new chapter is opening in her life.

LibertarianTechieJan 30, 2012

awesome

grannybam07Jan 30, 2012

As the youngest of 3, I understand your daughter's feelings. It's not easy being left behind. However, my mom and dad did stuff with me because I was the only one left at home. Now, at 47 yrs. old, I look back and feel like I was the lucky one. Mom and Dad gave me undivided attention the other two never received.